Families weary of trying to converse over the drone of water pumps and the hum of motors are opting for appliances that work discreetly. This fact has awakened a world of noise- reduction technologies, and dishwashers are toward the top of the silencers’ hit list.

Nearly all major manufacturers are promoting quieter dishwashers, particularly in the higher-priced models. “We have explored new design components and conducted consumer sound evaluations to launch ‘the quietest dishwasher made in America,’“ says a Jenn-Air spokesperson. Whirlpool says about its Quiet Partner model: “You have to hear it to believe it. ... We like to say that the Quiet Partner dishwasher quite literally gives you back your kitchen.” Frigidaire’s Ultra-Quiet Insulation Systems are promoted as “among the quietest you can buy.”

To make dishwashers quieter, manufacturers have added sound-dampening insulation, sound-absorbing wash tubs, vibration absorbers, and low-noise pumps. With many brands, these are optional and will boost the price. For example, KitchenAid offers four different levels of quiet, depending on how much you want to spend.